Exploring Accounting Oversight in Washington, D.C. : International Affairs : Texas State University

Department of Accounting
Location: Washington, D.C.
Course: ACC 5390L: Exploring Accounting Oversight in Washington, D.C.
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Dr. Nate Cannon, nhc6@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Maymester, May 14 - June 4, 2026
Travel: May 17-23, 2026
Program Fee: $1,200. The Department of Accounting is looking for external funding which may decrease the program fee; however, it is not a guarantee.
Course Tuition: $1,289.58
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

This course bridges classroom theory with real-world experiences and provides a holistic understanding of the regulatory landscape through exploration of the key institutions shaping the accounting profession. The core of the course consists of guided visits to these institutions over the course of a week. During this week, students visit the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Tax Court, the Government Accounting Office, and several others. They also have the opportunity to visit the White House, meet with members of the Texas congressional delegation, and tour the various buildings on Capital Hill. This innovative form of instruction improves the educational experience for our students and helps support the University and College’s internationalization objectives.

Date	Activities
Sunday, May 17	Travel to Washington, D.C.
Monday, May 18	Government Accountability Office (GAO) U.S. Capitol Tour Monuments & Memorials Guided Walking Tour
Tuesday, May 19	U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
Wednesday, May 20	U.S. Tax Court FBI Headquarters
Thursday, May 21	Live session of U.S. House of Representatives from House Gallery Center for Audit Quality / American Institute of CPAs
Friday, May 22	U.S. Currency Production Tour Nationals Baseball Game
Saturday, May 23	Travel home

*Itinerary is subject to change. Meetings and tours will be solidified closer to the program date.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is February 1, 2026.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & SIA.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 22, 2026.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  Students enrolled in the Masters of Accountancy program in the McCoy College of Business.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  Yes, instruction before and after travel will be in person at the San Marcos campus.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - Lodging
  - Metro pass
  - All program activities
  - Program supplies
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare
  - All meals
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per SIA policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from WDC.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Business casual. Bring comfortable shoes for walking!
- Will there be down time on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have free time in the evenings.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.